Houston Texans: J.J. Watt Conference Call Transcript

Q: When you play a team for the second time in the same season, what can you take from the first game that helps you in the second?

JW: I mean, you can learn a lot. You look at formations, tendencies, personnel, everything. You look at the whole big picture, you look at small things, you look at individual players, you look at just about everything and then you try to find ways to use it. Then you also look at what they’ve done since you’ve played them because obviously no team stays the same. You see what they do differently now and you try to figure out what they’re going to do this time.

Q: Do you spend more time watching film on your first game against the Patriots or more time watching some of their more recent games?

JW: You do a little of both. I don’t know that I’d quantify it and say that you spend more time on one than the other. You watch certain situations and you see what you see.

Q: How do you feel that you guys rebounded from the loss here earlier in the season?

JW: I mean, obviously we had a rough stretch that last month of the regular season. There’s no two ways to put it. We have no excuses and we have nothing to say about it. It’s the playoffs now and that’s all that matters. It’s one game and one-and-done if you don’t win. So we’re focused on winning this game.

Q: Are you happy to get another shot at the Patriots based on the way the first game went?

JW: Of course. I mean, nobody likes playing like that on national television in front of the whole country. You don’t like to put on a showing like we put on last time and we’re really excited about another opportunity to go up there. [It’s] a very tough place to play, obviously a great football team and if you want to win a Super Bowl in this league you have to go through some very, very good football teams and the Patriots are a very, very good football team.

Q: After the loss to the Patriots many your teammates said that the Patriots showed you guys how to play like champions. Do you feel like that was a good learning experience given what was coming out of your locker room afterwards?

JW: I mean, we know how to win football games. Obviously we didn’t play good last time we were up there. I think we can all agree on that. I don’t think we need to keep rehashing it. I think we just need to play our style of football. We’re the Houston Texans; we’ll do what we do and we’re going to go up there and give it everything we’ve got and we’re really excited about the challenge.

Q: What did you see from the Patriots offensive line in that first game and how would you characterize that group?

JW: I think they’re a good offensive line. I think that they know the scheme, they know what they’re doing and they execute their assignments well.

Q: While Tom Brady is one of the winningest quarterbacks in NFL history, Matt Schaub will make just his second postseason start this weekend. How do you think Schaub responded to his first playoff start last week?

JW: I think he did well. For me, being able to sit back on the bench for – I think it was like 37 or 38 minutes that the offense held the ball – it was great. To see our offense control the ball, move it up and down the field the way they did, that’s what you like to see, especially the defensive guys. So I’m really excited to see how he comes out this week and I know he’s going to do great. I’ve always loved having him on my team. Wouldn’t trade him.

Q: What did you take away from your first time playing against Tom Brady? Was there anything you saw in real time that you did not catch on film?

JW: He’s got great control of this team. He’s a very good quarterback. Obviously you don’t get to be as good as he is by luck. He’s very, very good, he works hard at what he does and there’s a reason he’s one of the best.

Q: What did you see from Sebastian Vollmer in the first game and what do you see from a guy like that on tape?

JW: I mean, I’ve seen all types of linemen. I treat them all the same; it doesn’t matter who it is. He’s a good football player, but all I need to do is play my game.

Q: How would you characterize your personal performance in the first game against the Patriots?

JW: Obviously I didn’t play well enough. I mean, I got quite a few hits on Brady, but obviously the ball was gone every time. [I] didn’t bat any balls, didn’t have any tackles for a loss, so I need to do more. I think that’s understood, I think that’s known, but that’s why you get another shot and this is the playoffs and I’m going to bring everything that I have.

JW: I mean, he’s a very good quarterback, yes. He gets the ball out quick, he knows the scheme very well, he knows where his receivers are and he knows who’s going to be open. Like I said, he’s one of the best and I think you know plenty of the reasons why.